This summer marks the 50th anniversary of one of the most ground-breaking events in human history -- the first manned landing on the Moon. A marvel of technology and American ingenuity, the epic event answered the challenge set forth by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 to "achieve the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to Earth." The goal was met on July 20, 1969, when Apollo 11 touched down on the Moon's Sea of Tranquility

The Delta College Planetarium will celebrate the occasion with a new dome show, exhibits and special presentations. Beginning May 4, the Planetarium will debut the U.S. premiere of "Capcom GO! - The Apollo Story" in its Dome360 Theater, a fully immersive experience that relives the excitement of the Apollo era.

That same day brings the opening of "Many Inspired Steps," a special exhibit by Thomas Lesser of the American Museum filling the entire Space Explorers Hall. Adding to his displays will be a case with simulated moon rocks from the NASA Johnson Space Center, Apollo landing site panoramas, and an "Apollo Memories" wall for the public to add their own recollections and impressions.

Both the show and exhibit will run through Aug. 31. In addition, the Planetarium's huge atrium lobby will display other features including a 15-foot tall Saturn V rocket, an Apollo moon suit replica and moonwalk videos. On the anniversary date of the moon landing, July 20, the Planetarium will feature a special in-house production called "First on the Moon," to share the story with fulldome animations, rarely seen footage and photography.

For more information, go to the Planetarium's website at www.delta.edu/planet or call 989-667-2260. The Delta College Planetarium is located at 100 Center Ave. in downtown Bay City.